Tablet computer

ABSTRACT

A tablet computer is composed of a tablet component and a keyboard component. The tablet component houses all of the essential hardware of tablet computer including the central processing unit (CPU), the memory, the power supply, and a touch screen display. The keyboard component is a simple peripheral device that offers no computing functionality unless connected with the tablet component. The tablet component and keyboard component can mate to form a notebook-type computer. The tablet component and keyboard component can mate in an orientation allowing use of only a tablet computing user interface. The tablet component is removable from the keyboard component and functions independently as a tablet computing device. The keyboard component has a counterbalance armature to oppose the moment of inertia due to the changing center of mass of the tablet computer as the tablet component is moved from a closed to an open position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/041,093, entitled “Tablet Computer withCounterbalance and Detachable Keyboard” and filed on March 31, 2008,which is specifically incorporated by reference herein for all that itdiscloses and teaches.

BACKGROUND

Tablet computers have many advantages not found in standard desktop ornotebook computers. Chief among these advantages is usually the abilityto interface with the tablet computer by writing on or tapping a touchscreen display using a stylus or other implement. Input to the computermay thus be entered in a manner similar to writing on paper rather thanusing a keyboard. This model provides great efficiency in note-takingenvironments or when used in a highly mobile environment where it isdifficult to set up or use a keyboard and mouse to input data into thecomputer. Unfortunately, this advantage is also a great disadvantagebecause, while many users may appreciate the flexibility of inputthrough writing, there is usually still a great need and efficiency inusing a keyboard for data entry, for example, when writing a documentsuch as this. For this and other reasons, adoption of tablet computershas been limited and is primarily used in specialized industries withhighly mobile users, for example, package delivery services that use“slate” computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs).

There are some laptop or notebook computers that emulate the function ofa tablet computer. These notebook computers are equipped with a touchscreen liquid crystal display (LCD) that opens, rotates and closes againon top of the keyboard with the touch screen LCD facing outward for useas a tablet. In these notebook configurations, the substantial hardwareof the computer including the processor, memory, and battery is housedin the keyboard section of the notebook computer. While the touch screenLCD is hinged and rotatably attached to the keyboard section, it remainspermanently affixed to the keyboard section.

The information included in this Background section of thespecification, including any references cited herein and any descriptionor discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes onlyand is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of theinvention is to be bound.

SUMMARY

A novel implementation of a tablet computer is composed of a tabletcomponent and a keyboard component. The tablet component houses all ofthe essential hardware of tablet computer including the centralprocessing unit (CPU), the memory, the power supply (battery and DCtransformer), the system bus, network and peripheral interface cards andports, a loudspeaker, and a touch screen display. The keyboard componentis a simple peripheral device that offers no computing functionalityunless connected with the tablet component or another computer. In oneconfiguration, the tablet component and keyboard component mate to forma notebook-type computer. In a second configuration, the tabletcomponent and keyboard component mate in an orientation allowing use ofonly a tablet computing user interface. In a third configuration, thetablet component is removable from the keyboard component and functionsindependent of the keyboard component as a tablet computing device.

The tablet component may be in a hinged relationship with the keyboardcomponent when the tablet component is attached to the keyboardcomponent. The keyboard component is further configured with acounterbalance armature to oppose the moment of inertia due to thechanging center of mass of the tablet computer as the tablet componentis moved from a closed to an open position, thus preventing the tabletcomputer from falling over when the bottom of the keyboard component isresting on a flat surface. In one implementation, the counterbalancearmature may function as a handle for carrying the tablet computer whenin an extended position. In another implementation, the counterbalancearmature may be partially housed within the keyboard when in a retractedposition. In a further implementation, the counterbalance armature mayinterface with a tension hinge on the keyboard component to prevent auser from rotating the tablet component to an open position unless thecounterbalance armature is extended.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Otherfeatures, details, utilities, and advantages of the claimed subjectmatter will be apparent from the following more particular writtenDetailed Description of various embodiments and implementations asfurther illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an implementation of a tablet computerconnected with the key board in a closed position and further with acounterbalance armature in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the tablet computer of FIG. 1 in analternate configuration with a touch sensitive LED screen in an exposedposition.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the bottom of the tablet computer of FIG.1 particularly showing a bottom of the keyboard component.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the tablet computer of FIG. 1 in an openposition with the tablet component connected to the keyboard component.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the tablet computer of FIG. 1 depictingthe tablet component separated from the keyboard component.

FIG. 6 is a rear isometric view of the tablet computer of FIG. 1depicting the tablet component separated from the keyboard component.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the tablet computer of FIG. 1 with acounterbalance armature in an extended position.

FIG. 8 is an isometric top view of a portion of the tablet computer ofFIG. 1 depicting the counterbalance armature in an extended position.

FIG. 9 is a bottom isometric view of the tablet computer of FIG. 1depicting the counterbalance armature in an extended position.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view in cross-section of the tablet computer ofFIG. 1 detailing T-shaped slots for storage of rails of thecounterbalance armature that is depicted in an extended position.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view in cross-section of the tablet computer ofFIG. 1 detailing a storage slot for a rail of the counterbalancearmature that is depicted in an extended position.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view in cross-section of the tablet computer ofFIG. 1 detailing the connection between the tablet component and thekeyboard component by an interface tab.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view cross-section of the tablet computer ofFIG. 1 depicting the tablet component separated from the keyboardcomponent in particular the interface tab on the keyboard component andthe corresponding tab slot on the tablet component used to join thetablet component and the keyboard component together.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example system that may be useful in implementingthe described technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures depict a new implementation of a tablet computer 100. Asshown in FIG. 1, the tablet computer 100 is primarily composed of twocomponents, a tablet component 102 and a keyboard component 104. Incontrast to known notebook or laptop computers, the hardware componentsproviding the computing functionality of the tablet computer 100 arepackaged within the tablet component 102 while keyboard component 104functions merely as a peripheral device. This means that the tabletcomponent 102 houses the microprocessor, memory, power supply, graphicscard, network card, wireless card, battery, DC transformer, serial bus,touch screen liquid crystal display (LCD), and other standard hardwarecomponents that, with the exception of an LCD screen, are packaged underthe keyboard in a traditional notebook or laptop computer. In oneimplementation, the memory may be in the form of a high-capacity flashdrive, thus creating an entirely solid state tablet computer 100 with nomoving parts.

FIG. 1 depicts the tablet computer 100 in a closed position with thetablet component 102 lying against the keyboard component 104. In theconfiguration of FIG. 1, the back 106 of the tablet component 102 isexposed. In contrast, in FIG. 2 a face 108 of the tablet component 102is configured as the exterior surface thereby exposing a touch screenLCD 110. Actual implementations of these various configurations of thetablet computer 100 will be described further herein below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tablet component 102 of the tablet computer 100may provide a number of network or peripheral interface ports, forexample, a first universal serial bus (USB) port 150, a second USB port152, and an Ethernet port 154. In addition, the tablet component 102 mayprovide a receptacle 164 for connecting to an external power source. Thereceptacle may be configured to receive pins from a power supply cableor may provide a magnetic connection for quick release power supplycables. The tablet component 102 may also define a compartment or slotfor storage of a stylus 166 for use in interfacing with the touch screenLCD 110. A power switch 144 may be provided on the face 108 of thetablet component 102 as depicted in FIG. 2. In addition the face 108 ofthe tablet component 102 may further define a perforated area 146beneath which a loudspeaker may be mounted, thereby directing soundgenerated by the loudspeaker toward a user of the tablet computer 100.

The keyboard component 104 may additionally be configured with a USBport 148 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In one implementation, the keyboardcomponent 104 may be connected with the tablet component 102 via a cablebetween either the first USB port 150 or the second USB port 152 and thekeyboard USB port 148. An alternate communication connection between thekeyboard component 104 and the tablet component 102 is described furtherherein below. It may be appreciated that while the keyboard component104 in the implementation depicted in the figures is designed tointerface particularly with the tablet component, it may be connected toany other computer via the USB port 148 for use as a peripheralkeyboard.

When the tablet computer 100 is in an open configuration as shown isFIG. 4, the top surface 114 of the keyboard component 104 is exposed.The top surface 114 of the keyboard component 104 may include a keyboard116 and a touchpad 118 or track pad for manipulation of a cursor orother onscreen elements on the touch screen LCD 110. The keyboard 116may be configured as a standard button keyboard or as a flat membranekeypad to reduce the profile of the keyboard component 104 and provide ahigher level of environmental resistance when used in harsh operatingenvironments. The touchpad 118 may additionally include a left-clickbutton 120 and a right-click button 122 as with standard mouse controlsfor selection of objects and features within a user interface. The touchpad may further include a center-click button 121 for additionalfunctionality.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the tablet component 102 of the tablet computer100 may be mounted to the keyboard component 104 in a hingedconfiguration. In one exemplary implementation as shown in the figures,two stationary tension hinges 128 may be fixed to the keyboard component104 via mounting members 128a as shown in FIG. 3. A rotating tensionhinge 130 is mounted in between the stationary tension hinges 128. Thetablet component 102 is removably mounted to the rotating tension hinge130 in a manner further described below.

When the tablet computer 100 is in an open configuration and the tabletcomponent 102 is connected with the keyboard component 104 as shown inFIG. 4, it may be appreciated that the tablet computer 100 is comparableto a normal laptop computer. However, the tablet computer 100 isrelatively top-heavy because all of the hardware components are packagedwithin the tablet component 102. Thus, as the tablet component 102rotates to an open position, the center of mass of the tablet computer100 will shift to a point behind the keyboard component 104 and themoment of inertia will cause the tablet computer 100 to tip and fallonto the back 106 of the tablet component 102 instead of resting on thebottom 112 of the keyboard component 104. This result is in contrast toa normal notebook computer in which the majority of the mass of thecomputer resides in the keyboard portion and thus allows the LCD screenportion to cantilever backwards without tipping the notebook computer.

In order to remedy this situation, the keyboard component 104 isdesigned to house an extending counterbalance armature 132, which, whenin an extended configuration as shown in FIG. 4, acts to oppose themoment of inertia and maintain the tablet computer 100 in an uprightposition. In the implementation shown in the figures, the counterbalancearmature 132 may be designed to mate with and assume the same formfactor, as the tension hinges 128, 130 in a retracted position as shownin FIGS. 1-3, and extend on rails 134 to a position behind the tensionhinges 128, 130 in an extended configuration. The counterbalancearmature 132 extends across the back of the keyboard component 104between the rails 134. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, a bottom face 133 ofthe counterbalance armature 132 is flat and lies in the same plane asthe bottom 112 of the keyboard component 104 to allow the tabletcomputer 100 to lie flat against a plane, e.g., a work surface such as atable or desk.

In another implementation, the tablet computer 100 includes a mechanismthat automatically extends the counterbalance armature 132 as the tabletcomponent 102 is opened with respect to the keyboard component 104. Forexample, in one configuration, one or more gear-like elements (notshown) are formed in the hub of the rotating tension hinge 130, matingwith an intermediate gear (not shown) that engages with a toothedsurface (not shown) of one or more of the rails 134. In this manner, asthe tablet component 102 is raised with respect to the keyboardcomponent 104, the connector 156 rotates the rotating tension hinge 130,which rotates the intermediate gear in the opposite direction againstthe toothed surface of the rail 134 to force the rail 134 to move,thereby extending the counterbalance armature 132. The automaticextension of the counterbalance armature 132 may be disabled using arelease (not shown). For example, the release can decouple the gear-likeelement from the intermediate gear, so as to allow the connector 156 toopen (and the rotating tension hinge 130 to rotate) without rotating theintermediate gear.

In other implementations, a spring-loaded rotating tension hinge systemassists with the auto-extension of the counterbalance armature 132,which could be invoked by way of a cog and toothed track or bypneumatics, which are compressed when the tablet component 102 is shutand then auto-decompressed when the tablet component 102 is openedagain. In yet other implementations, a set of cables and pulleys may beemployed to automatically extend the counterbalance armature 132.

It should be appreciated that when the tablet computer 100 is in aclosed configuration such as FIG. 7, the counterbalance armature 132 maybe extended to act as a handle for carrying the tablet computer. Ahandle portion 136 may be formed in a middle section of thecounterbalance armature 132 coextensive with the width of the rotatingtension hinge 130. The handle portion 136 of the counterbalance armature132 may also define a curved or rounded surface 137 that faces the backor rear of the keyboard component 104. Such a rounded surface 137 on thehandle portion 136 may be desirable for ease and comfort in gripping thehandle 136 in a user's hand.

As depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, the handle portion 136 of thecounterbalance armature 132 may also define a flat face 138 on the topside of the counterbalance armature 132. As shown in FIG. 9, a handlerecess 140 may be defined within the bottom of the rotating tensionhinge 130. The handle recess 140 may have a flat surface opposing theflat face 138 of the handle 136 when the counterbalance armature 132 isin a retracted configuration. It may thus be appreciated that when thetablet computer 100 is in a closed configuration as depicted in eitherFIG. 1 or FIG. 2 and the counterbalance armature is in a contractedconfiguration mating with the tension hinges 128, 130, a user will beunable to open tablet computer 102 from its position against thekeyboard component 104. This is so because the interface between theflat face 138 of the handle 136 and the handle recess 140 in therotating tension hinge 130 prevents the rotating tension hinge 130 fromrotating with respect to the stationary tension hinges 128. Thisconfiguration therefore allows a user to extend the counterbalancearmature 132 before opening the tablet component 102 with respect to thekeyboard component 104, thereby ensuring that the tablet computer 100does not tip over when placed in an open configuration.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the tablet computer 100 in a configuration in whichthe tablet component 102 is separated from the keyboard component 104.Recall that all the hardware for the tablet computer 100 is housedwithin the tablet component 102. Therefore, the tablet component 102 maybe removed from the keyboard component 104 and used independently as atrue tablet computing device with user interface control implementedthrough the touch screen LCD 110, for example, by using the stylus 166or other similar implement. The tablet component 102 may be fabricatedwith an overmold grip 126 for ease of grasping and holding the tabletcomponent 102 by a user when in a separated configuration. The overmoldgrip 126 may be a plastic, rubber, or an elastomer coating over aportion of the housing of the tablet component 102.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 12, and 13, the tablet component 102 may connectwith the keyboard component 104 via an interface tab 156 extending fromthe rotating tension hinge 130. The interface tab 156 fits in a tab slot162 within the bottom edge of the tablet component 102. The interfacetab 156 may have recessed engagement keys 158 on each lateral side thatinterfaces with an engagement structure within the tab slot 162. Such anengagement structure may be in the form of a rubber gasket, aball-plunger, or other friction fitting mechanisms mounted on lateralends within the tab slot 162 in order to removably, but frictionally,engage the interface tab 156 within the tab slot 162. The friction fitbetween the interface tab 156 and the tab slot 162 should be sufficientto support the weight of the tablet component 102 in the event thetablet computer 100 is turned upside down when the tablet component 102is attached to the keyboard component 104. However, the force of thefriction fit should be such that the interface tab 156 is released fromwithin the tab slot 162 upon the exertion of a moderate amount ofpulling force by a user to separate the tablet component 102 from thekeyboard component 104.

The interface tab 156 may further be provided with contact traces 160that connect with corresponding receptacle traces or pins (not shown)within the tab slot 162 in order to communicate user input via thekeyboard 116 or touch pad 118 when the tablet component 102 is connectedwith the keyboard component 104. While the contact traces 160 are shownonly on one side of the interface tab 156 in the figures, contact tracesmay be provided on the other side or both sides of the interface tab156. Alternatively, the receptacles within the tab slot 162 of thetablet component 102 may be positioned on both sides of the tab slot 162such that input via the keyboard 116 or touch pad 118 is availableregardless of the orientation of the tablet component 102.

As shown in FIGS. 8, 10, and 11, the rails 134 extending from thecounterbalance armature 132 are housed within rail slots 142 in thekeyboard component 104. It may be appreciated that since the keyboardcomponent 104 does not house any of the hardware of the tablet computer100, there is adequate space available within the keyboard component 104for housing the rails for the counterbalance armature 132. As shown inthe figures, the counterbalance armature may be in the shape of a T inorder to provide lateral, vertical, and torsional stability to thecounterbalance armature 132 as well as tensile strength to the rails 134when in an extended position. The rail sockets 142 may similarly beT-shaped to conform to the shape of the rails 134. The rail sockets 142may be configured with retention hardware similar to hardware used indrawer rails in order to prevent the rails 134 of the counterbalancearmature 132 from pulling completely out of the rail sockets 142. Thisallows the counterbalance armature 132 to be used as a handle aspreviously described. The rail sockets 142 may further be configuredwith a friction fit or other mechanism that engages the rails 134 whenthe counterbalance armature 132 is in a contracted or closed position inorder to prevent the counterbalance armature 132 from accidentallysliding out and extending in the absence of some positive pulling forceinitiated by a user.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the back 106 of the tablet component 102 maybe configured with one or more mounting holes 124 to allow the tabletcomponent 102 or the entire tablet computer 100 to be mounted to asurface, for example, a wall. The mounting holes 124 may be simplethreaded apertures, for example, a standard quarter-20 threads intowhich screws may be fixed. Alternatively, the mounting holes 124 couldbe configured as bayonet fittings, use ball plungers, or provide anyother retention mechanism. A variety of mounting hardware and frames maythereby be affixed to the back 106 of the tablet component 102 to assistin mounting the tablet computer 100 in a variety of configurations, forexample, to a flat surface, on an articulated or hinged arm, orotherwise.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example system that may be useful in implementingthe described technology. A general purpose computer system 1200 iscapable of executing a computer program product to execute a computerprocess. Data and program files may be input to the computer system1200, which reads the files and executes the programs therein. Some ofthe elements of a general purpose computer system 1200 are shown in FIG.12 wherein a processor 1202 is shown having an input/output (I/O)section 1204, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 1206, and a memory section1208. There may be one or more processors 1202, such that the processor1202 of the computer system 1200 comprises a single central-processingunit 1206, or a plurality of processing units, commonly referred to as aparallel processing environment. The computer system 1200 may be aconventional computer, a distributed computer, or any other type ofcomputer. The described technology is optionally implemented in softwaredevices loaded in memory 1208, stored on a configured DVD/CD-ROM 1210 orstorage unit 1212, and/or communicated via a wired or wireless networklink 1214 on a carrier signal, thereby transforming the computer system1200 in FIG. 12 to a special purpose machine for implementing thedescribed operations.

The I/O section 1204 is connected to one or more user-interface devices(e.g., a keyboard 1216 and a display unit 1218), a disk storage unit1212, and a disk drive unit 1220. Generally, in contemporary systems,the disk drive unit 1220 is a DVD/CD-ROM drive unit capable of readingthe DVD/CD-ROM medium 1210, which typically contains programs and data1222. Computer program products containing mechanisms to effectuate thesystems and methods in accordance with the described technology mayreside in the memory section 1204, on a disk storage unit 1212, or onthe DVD/CD-ROM medium 1210 of such a system 1200. Alternatively, a diskdrive unit 1220 may be replaced or supplemented by a floppy drive unit,a tape drive unit, a flash memory USB drive, or other storage mediumdrive unit. The network adapter 1224 is capable of connecting thecomputer system to a network via the network link 1214, through whichthe computer system can receive instructions and data embodied in acarrier wave. Examples of such systems include Power-PC and Intel-basedcomputing systems offered by Apple Corp., personal computers offered byDell Corporation and by other manufacturers of Intel-compatible personalcomputers, ARM-based computing systems and other systems running aUNIX-based or other operating system. It should be understood thatcomputing systems may also embody devices such as Personal DigitalAssistants (PDAs), mobile phones, gaming consoles, set top boxes, etc.

When used in a LAN-networking environment, the computer system 1200 isconnected (by wired connection or wirelessly) to a local network throughthe network interface or adapter 1224, which is one type ofcommunications device. When used in a WAN-networking environment, thecomputer system 1200 typically includes a modem, a network adapter, orany other type of communications device for establishing communicationsover the wide area network. In a networked environment, program modulesdepicted relative to the computer system 1200 or portions thereof, maybe stored in a remote memory storage device. It is appreciated that thenetwork connections shown are exemplary and other means of andcommunications devices for establishing a communications link betweenthe computers may be used.

In an exemplary implementation, modules for managing attachment,detachment and operation of the keyboard and other modules may beincorporated as part of the operating system, application programs,other program modules, or circuit components. Data pertaining to themanagement of the detachable keyboard and other data may be stored asprogram data.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of theinvention. Although various embodiments of the invention have beendescribed above with a certain degree of particularity, or withreference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in theart could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of this invention. In particular, itshould be understand that the described technology may be employedindependent of a personal computer. Other embodiments are thereforecontemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the abovedescription and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpretedas illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changesin detail or structure may be made without departing from the basicelements of the invention as defined in the following claims.

1. A tablet computer comprising a tablet component containing functionalcomputer hardware; a keyboard component removably connected with thetablet component; and a counterbalance armature attached to the keyboardcomponent that extends from the keyboard component to oppose a moment ofinertia of the tablet computer when the tablet component is connectedwith and in an open position with respect to the keyboard component. 2.The tablet computer of claim 1, wherein the counterbalance armature isretractable with respect to the keyboard component and is at leastpartially housed within the keyboard component when in a retractedposition.
 3. The tablet computer of claim 2, wherein the keyboardcomponent further comprises a housing that defines two or more slots;the counter balance armature further comprises two or more rails thatare respectively received and housed within the two or more slots. 4.The tablet computer of claim 3, wherein the keyboard component furthercomprises an engagement structure in each of the two or more slots thatengages the rails to prevent the counter balance armature fromseparating from the keyboard component when fully extended.
 5. Thetablet computer of claim 3, wherein a cross section of each of the railsis T-shaped.
 6. The tablet computer of claim 1, wherein the tabletcomponent further comprises a display and interface screen on a frontface; and the front face is positioned adjacent to and opposite a topface of the keyboard component when the tablet computer is in a closedposition.
 7. The tablet computer of claim 1, wherein the tabletcomponent further comprises a back face and a display and interfacescreen on a front face; and the back face is positioned adjacent to andopposite a top face of the keyboard component while the front faceremains exposed when the tablet computer is in a closed position.
 8. Thetablet computer of claim 1, wherein the counterbalance armaturefunctions as a handle for the tablet computer.
 9. The tablet computer ofclaim 1, wherein the keyboard component further comprises one or morefixed tension hinges; and a rotating tension hinge rotationally engagedwith the one or more fixed tension hinges.
 10. The tablet computer ofclaim 9, wherein the rotating tension hinge further comprises aninterface tab; and the tablet component further comprises a slotconfigured to releasably engage the interface tab.
 11. The tabletcomputer of claim 10, wherein the interface tab further comprises one ormore connection traces; and the slot in the tablet component furthercomprises one or more receptacles configured to communicatively engagethe connection traces.
 12. The tablet computer of claim 9, wherein therotating tension hinge further comprises a first engagement surface; thecounterbalance armature is retractable with respect to the keyboardcomponent and defines a second engagement surface, and when thecounterbalance armature is at least partially housed within the keyboardcomponent in a retracted position, the first engagement surfaceinterfaces with the second engagement surface and prevents the tabletcomponent from being manipulated from a closed position to the openposition.
 13. The tablet computer of claim 1, wherein the counterbalancearmature is forced to mechanically extend from the keyboard component asthe tablet component moves into an open position with respect to thekeyboard component.
 14. The tablet computer of claim 1, wherein keyboardcomponent lies in a plane and the counterbalance armature extends alongthe plane of the keyboard component.
 15. A computer comprising acomputer component containing functional computer hardware; a keyboardcomponent lying in a plane and removably connected with the computercomponent, the keyboard component weighing less than the computercomponent; and a counterbalance armature attached to the keyboardcomponent that extends from the keyboard component along the plane whenthe computer component is connected with and in an open position withrespect to the keyboard component.
 16. The computer of claim 15, whereinthe counterbalance armature is retractable with respect to the keyboardcomponent and is at least partially housed within the keyboard componentwhen in a retracted position.
 17. The computer of claim 16, wherein thekeyboard component further comprises a housing that defines two or moreslots; the counter balance armature further comprises two or more railsthat are respectively received and housed within the two or more slots.18. The computer of claim 15, wherein the keyboard component furthercomprises one or more fixed tension hinges; and a rotating tension hingerotationally engaged with the one or more fixed tension hinges.
 19. Thecomputer of claim 18, wherein the rotating tension hinge furthercomprises a first engagement surface; the counterbalance armature isretractable with respect to the keyboard component and defines a secondengagement surface, and when the counterbalance armature is at leastpartially housed within the keyboard component in a retracted position,the first engagement surface interfaces with the second engagementsurface and prevents the computer component from being manipulated froma closed position to the open position.
 20. A method comprising: openinga computer component containing functional computer hardware withrespect to a removably connected keyboard component lying in a plane,the keyboard component weighing less than the computer component; andextending a counterbalance armature attached to the keyboard component,the counterbalance armature extending from the keyboard component alongthe plane when the computer component is connected with and in an openposition with respect to the keyboard component.